New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday extended his greetings to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Navratri. 


COMMERCIAL BREAK
SCROLL TO CONTINUE READING

“My greetings to everyone as the auspicious Navratri commences,” Prime Minister Modi tweeted.



In another tweet, the PM devoted a 'stuti' offered to Maa Shailputri. 



The Prime Minister also greeted the people of Manipur on the occasion of Mera Chaoren Houba and wished the festival brings peace and harmony in society.



The nine-day long festival of Navratri is dedicated to goddess Durga - the epitome of justice and destroyer of evil. Each day in Navratri, the different nine forms of 'Maa' Durga are worshipped. 


This year, the Sharadiya Navratri commences from from September 21 and ends on September 29, according to astrologers. 


It is that time of the year when devotees joyfully make preparations for the arrival of 'Maa' Durga. 


Navratri is celebrated across Gujarat with 'garba' and 'dandiya' which is hugely popular among the youths.


Throughout the 'Navratras', the devotees visit historical temples and pay obeisance to various forms of Goddess Durga, while special 'puja' and 'havan' are also conducted across the country.


The Navratri puja and celebrations begin with 'Ghatasthapana', also known as 'Kalash Sthapana'. 


Ghatasthapana is a ritual that symbolises feminine power.


It is assembled using a number of puja items that are symbolic and holy.